Ford's US sales up 13 pct. in June

AP , Associated Press

Jul. 2, 20139:47 AM ET

DETROIT (AP) — Ford says U.S. sales rose 13 percent in June, with gains in big pickups as well as small cars.

Ford Motor Co. said F-Series pickup truck sales jumped 24 percent from last June to just over 68,000. It was the best June for the F-Series since 2005. Pickup sales soared this spring on demand from home builders and other small businesses as the economy improves.

Sales of the recently updated Ford Fiesta subcompact doubled over last year, while sales of the Focus small car gained 9 percent. Analysts said small cars got a boost in June as gas prices remained high and young graduates bought new cars.

Sales of the Fusion sedan and Escape SUV — two of the company's biggest sellers — were flat compared with last year.